Jun Ji-hyun’s Stunning Close-ups Fill the Screen in ‘Gunche’: Director Yeon Sang-ho Says It’s ‘Only Natural!’

Director Yeon Sang-ho had a playful response when asked about the frequent close-ups of Jun Ji-hyun in the movie ‘Gunche’, simply stating it was “natural.”

The press screening for ‘Gunche’ (directed by Yeon Sang-ho) took place on the afternoon of the 20th at CGV Yongsan IPark Mall in Seoul. Director Yeon Sang-ho and actors Jun Ji-hyun, Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hyun-bin, and Kim Shin-rok all attended the event.

‘Gunche’ is a thrilling film about survivors trapped in a building during a mysterious infection outbreak, fighting against infected beings that evolve in unpredictable ways.

Making her big-screen comeback after 11 years since the 2015 film ‘Assassination’, Jun Ji-hyun takes on the role of Kwon Se-jung, the leader of the survivors.

During the event, Director Yeon brought laughter to the crowd by immediately answering “Of course” when asked if there seemed to be an unusually high number of close-up shots of Jun Ji-hyun.

He explained, “From an artistic standpoint, close-ups are natural. She is a movie star, right? Capturing a movie star on camera is what makes a movie. I simply had to capture her as much as possible.”

Discussing Jun Ji-hyun’s central role in driving the narrative, Director Yeon explained, “The rules of the story change constantly, and it’s a movie where the audience needs to follow along. Kwon Se-jung is the face that discovers and realizes those rules.”

He added, “Because of that, her close-ups had to be repeated throughout the film, acting like periods or commas in a clear sentence.”

Jun Ji-hyun also shared, “The most important point for me was ensuring that the audience could naturally follow the choices Kwon Se-jung makes in various situations.”

‘Gunche’ was previously officially invited to the Midnight Screening section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival, where it completed its world premiere on the 15th (local time).

The film will officially release in Korea on the 21st to begin communicating with domestic audiences.

Jun Ji-hyun expressed her joy, saying, “I came back feeling energized from Cannes,” while Director Yeon added, “Watching the film at Cannes was great, but seeing it again today, I think watching it in Korea is even better. Please enjoy it as a fun zombie movie.”